To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the acquisition costs are of the Lynx Mk 8 aircraft; and what the average total operating cost is per hour. (134199)

The current Lynx Mk8 aircraft were initially procured as Mk 2 and Mk3 aircraft between 1979 and 1988 and have subsequently been extensively modified, enhanced and converted to the Mk8 standard. The average Net Book Value on 16 January 2007 for these aircraft was £11.5 million.

The total operating cost per flying hour for Lynx Mk 8 is approximately £16,000. This cost includes both fixed and marginal costs incurred in using the aircraft, comprising servicing costs, fuel costs, crew capitation and training costs, support costs and charges for capital and depreciation.